Because we can never have enough bakkies: Nissan has revealed the updated Navara 2021, which will be built in South Africa. The updated bakkie will come with even more offroad features and a bulky new shape.
Because it’s being built locally, South Africans will have more choice when it comes to models and additional accessories. It’ll offer a wide range of derivatives. Right now, however, we don’t have much in terms of detail on these. But we can dive into the specs of the newly launched Navara.
Not your dad’s Navara
It looks fairly similar to its predecessor but the new Navara gets a bolder and bulkier front-end design, fitted with a larger, vertical grille. This is inspired heavily by the Titan, which is available in the US market. It looks badass, especially considering the flagship derivatives will come with a pair of C-shaped quad LED headlights up front.
Around back, you get Nissan’s new signature LED taillights as well as a new rear bumper with an integrated step. It’s nice to see increased attention to detail that sets some bakkies apart from the others. Just because there are so many in SA.
Nissan revealed a redesigned Pro-4G trim grade package which includes a black grille, running boards, black 17in rims, black roof rails and wheel arches, and all-terrain tyres. This one comes in two model-specific hues (in addition to the sweet red accents): Stealth Grey and Milk Grey.
Of course, it won’t be a world-class bakkie without improved safety and smart assistance features. The new Navara introduces a list of features that would make you dizzy, the most intriguing of which is its autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert and active hill descent control.
Down to the dirty details: under the hood the Navara lives up to bakkie expectations. It’s just the same drivetrain as its predecessor, which was more than capable to start with. Here you get the 2.3-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 120kW/403Nm in single-turbo mode and 140kW/450Nm with the addition of a second booster. You also get the choice of manual or automatic transmission here.
Local pricing on this monster will only be available in the first quarter of 2021, which is when we expect to start seeing them on South African roads.
